Question 1

How do you authenticate an antiquarian book before purchase?

Accepted Answer

Every La Librairie Antique listing explicitly mentions the first edition status (E.O. or 1st edition), print run, publication date (colophon), binding type (leather, parchment, gilding), format (12mo, folio, etc.), and detailed condition (foxing, dampstains, repairs if any). We provide multiple high-resolution photos. For items above 500 EUR, a provenance certificate is included when available.

Question 2

Do you ship to the United States? Will I pay import duties?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Antiquarian books ship duty-free to the USA under HTS code 9903.01.31 ("informational materials" exception, still valid after the August 2025 de-minimis suspension). Delivery: 7-12 days via Colissimo International tracked, 3-5 days via DHL Express. State sales tax may apply depending on your state (typically 0-9%).

Question 3

What payment methods do you accept from international buyers?

Accepted Answer

All major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB), PayPal with Buyer Protection (recommended for non-EU customers), SEPA bank transfer for Europe, and SWIFT international wire for orders above 2000 EUR. Stripe-secured checkout (PCI-DSS Level 1).

Question 4

What is your return policy?

Accepted Answer

30-day return window for international buyers. Full refund (including return shipping) if the book does not match our description. Convenience returns: buyer covers return postage, refund issued upon receipt of the book in its original condition.

Question 5

How can I verify a first edition?

Accepted Answer

A first edition (often abbreviated E.O. in French) is the first published version of a work. Identifiers: print run statement at the front/back, colophon date, paper and format specifications, reference bibliographies (Vicaire, Carteret for French literature, Sadleir for 19th century English literature). Every listing mentions first edition status explicitly when applicable.

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Livres anciens, de collection

Recollections of the 1935 Affair❦ BLUM (Léon).- Souvenirs sur l’affaire 1935 EO

Madame la Duchesse’s Secretary❦ TINSEAU Le Secrétaire de Madame la Duchesse

Alfred’s Picturesque Tour of France in 1841❦ Alfred ou le Jeune Voyageur en France 1841

Heister’s 18th-century surgical treatise❦ Chirurgie Laurent HEISTER Institutions de chirurgie 1770

1895 French Press & Political Directory❦ PRESSE – ANNUAIRE Annuaire de la Presse Française et du monde politique 1895

Le Jardin des Roses: Ornate Miniature Edition❦ TOUSSAINT Le Jardin des Roses 1/300

Toi et moi: floral art in jewel-toned prints❦ Géraldy Toi et moi. Illustrations d’André-E. Marty ex. japon nacré

Spiritual Retreat Guide (1775)❦ Retraite spirituelle pour un jour de chaque mois 1775

Victor Hugo’s Journey Along the Rhine❦ HUGO (Victor)Le Rhin. Dessins de Victor Hugo + chansons des rues et des bois

Concise Ancient History 1838❦ PRECIS DE L’HISTOIRE ANCIENNE 1838

Heraldic study of Var, Provence, France, and Europe❦ Armoiries LE VAR, LA PROVENCE, LA FRANCE, L’Europe

1867 irrigation manual by Villeroy & Muller❦ Villeroy Muller Manuel des irrigations 1867

Duchamp Through the Lens of His Era❦ Duchamp et son temps 1887-1968

Madame Arman de Caillavet’s literary salon❦ SALON DE MADAME ARMAN DE CAILLAVET – SES AMIS

Crasset’s 17th-century devotional guide to preparing for death❦ gothique Crasset Préparation à La Mort

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